Your choice of back door can make a big difference to your home’s overall appearance. Choosing a glass back door will allow your home to fill with floods of beautiful natural light. Two of the most popular styles of back door are French and the sliding patio door. Deciding between the two is a difficult position especially when you aren’t aware of the main benefits or features of each.
We’ve put together some key information about each style to help you make an informed decision for your home.
What is a French door?
French doors feature two door panels with large glass panes, they open individually but come together to form a whole door. The doors open fully and can often be hooked to the exterior wall to protect them from blowing shut in the wind.
What is a patio door?
A sliding patio door features two large panels of glass fitted into either a uPVC or aluminium frame. One panel remains stationary whilst the other panel slides over the other to create an opening and back into place to close.
What is the difference between french doors and double doors?
The one key difference between french doors and double doors is that double doors are usually made of one solid material, be it timber or aluminium, whereas french doors incorporate panes of glass and double glazing to allow light in. Originally french doors, were walk out windows that evolved into doors for the purpose of gaining access to balconies from inside. They were also heavily influenced by the Romans as this allowed buildings to stay lit for longer and provide light to areas that would never have seen light otherwise.
What are the advantages of a French door?
French doors are perfect options when you’re looking to replace the back door of your home, especially when you have a smaller existing opening, as it can be costly to extend the door opening.
Full customisation opportunities
One of the best features of French doors are how customisable they can be. You can decide on the direction your doors open to maximise the space in your home and garden. At Halstead Glass, all our doors are fitted with double glazing as standard, or you have the option to upgrade to ultra-modern triple glazing. You’ll even be able to add bars or patterned glass to turn your French doors into the main feature of your home.
Choose from our huge range of colours and finishes including a traditional wood effect. Match your existing window and door colours, choose something complimentary or go bold and make a statement. Don’t forget to choose the perfect hinges and handles to suit your home.
Floods of beautiful natural light
A French door allows so much natural light to flow through your home which can affect the entire atmosphere of the space. Lots of natural light will create the illusion of a brighter and more spacious room. In the warmer months, you’ll be able to fully open the doors connecting your home to your garden and allow fresh air to flow freely.
Ease of access without compromising on security
Adding an extra entrance to your home is always a good idea and a French door is a perfect option. Having an additional entrance to your home is perfect for when you’re hosting an event particularly parties or outdoor gatherings. As French doors can be opened fully and hooked to the wall, they make perfect access points when you need to move large pieces of furniture into your home without damaging doorways or chipping paint.
Keeping your home and family safe is our top priority which is why we have sourced a multi-point locking system with a shoot bolt to offer you the ultimate peace of mind. Additionally, every door we install has been accredited to meet all British security standards and Building Regulations.
What are the advantages of a patio door?
Bring the outdoors in with a gorgeous sliding patio door, the perfect addition to any Essex home. You’ll flood your home with natural light which can benefit your own health and wellbeing. Using less artificial light can improve your sleep and benefit your eyes.
Enhances the beauty of your home
A sliding patio door will create a beautiful transition between your home and garden, build the connection further by bringing greenery in the space surrounding your patio doors. At Halstead Glass, our patio doors feature an ultra-slim frame to maximise your view. Available in a range of colours and configurations, you can design your door to perfectly suit your personal taste and home’s style.
Outstanding energy efficiency
At Halstead Glass, our patio doors have been rigorously tested to ensure that they exceed British standards for British Weather protection. The doors are fitted with a bubble gasket that provides a continuous seal around the entire door frame. Our patio doors offer low ‘U’ values ensuring your home remains warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Maximum security
Advances in door technology have meant that our sliding patio doors have the highest level of security. All our patio doors feature a ModLok locking mechanism that has been carefully developed by the world’s leading lock manufacturers. Featuring 4 hook bolts and 2 shoot bolts around the frame for total peace of mind.
The frames have been reinforced with aluminium to provide additional strength and rigidity throughout the door.
Should I get a patio door or a French door?
Overall, both doors make fantastic additions to any home around Essex and Suffolk. Regardless of which option you choose you’ll be getting incredible quality, security and energy efficiency. Before you decide on your new door make a list of all the requirements you have for your new door and outline your budget in advance. Your decision should be made based on your own informed opinion and personal taste.
If you can’t decide between a patio door and a French door, get in touch with a member of our expert team today and we’ll be able to give you our professional advice.
Gorgeous glass back doors from Halstead Glass
Halstead Glass are the top-recommended double-glazing installer in Essex. So, whether you’re looking for a gorgeous patio door or an elegant French door, give us a call on 01787 473516 or contact us online, let us help you.